693 - 05/10 - Strike Action - South Africa

The Association would like to advise Members of the current situation in South Africa regarding strikes. It is anticipated that a strike at Transnet, the para-statal company, will have an impact on South Africa’s seven major ports.

Both trade unions SATAWU (South African Transport and Allied Workers Union) and UTATU (United Transport and Allied Trade Union) have been granted a certificate to proceed with a protected strike on a no work no pay basis. For the unions to strike, forty eight hours notice is required. It is expected that a strike will start at 0001 on Monday 10th May. As both unions have obtained certificates to strike at the same time, around 85% of the labour force within Transnet will be affected.

Transnet controls large parts of the overall transport chain in South Africa and the following departments are to be directly impacted:

Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) – Includes most major ports in South Africa

Transnet Freight Rail – Cargo rail transport system

Metrorail – Public transport rail system

Transnet pipelines – National pipeline system, including fuel pipes

The impact of strikes across all departments listed above could be very significant and Members are encouraged to contact local Agents and Correspondents to ascertain the latest information should they have vessels bound for South Africa.